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Volleyball wins Hampton Inn of Carbondale Saluki Invitational, improves to 8-1
Sept. 13, 2008
By Beth Miller
CARBONDALE, Ill. - The Salukis went undefeated in the Hampton Inn of Carbondale Saluki Invitational with wins over Arkansas State and SEMO today, earning SIU the title of tournament champions for the second consecutive year. The Salukis came out strong against Arkansas Sate (7-3) in their first match of the day, defeating the Red Wolves in four sets 25-21, 21-25, 25-20, 25-23. SIU combined for 14 blocks, 54 digs, and 47 kills against ASU, grabbing their second win of the weekend. Chandra Roberson and Jasmine Connor led the Salukis in hitting, both boasting a .667 hitting percentage. "We played defensively and our offense went really well," said head coach Brenda Winkeler. "Those two things combined were the key things of us taking that match." SIU grabbed their third win of the weekend against SEMO (2-4) to remain undefeated in the tournament. The Salukis posted 12.5 blocks against the Redhawks, recording 70 kills and 80 digs. Brookyln Robbins grabbed a double-double with 11 digs and 62 assists. Jennifer Berwanger also recorded a double-double contributing 14 kills and 23 digs. Robbins' 62 assists potsed a personal record for the senior setter, breaking her previous record of 60 set against Murray State last season. "We lost to SEMO twice this spring so it was a big grudge match," Winkeler said. "We knew they were going to dig a lot of balls and they did. They dug 85 and I thought that was going to be the key - to out-dig us." Back-to-back wins this weekend improved the Salukis' record to 8-1, their best start since 1985, when Southern started the season 8-2 ten matches into the season.
Chandra Roberson was named the all-tournament MVP, with J. Berwanger and Robbins also named to the team. Claire Keaton and Molly Davis of SEMO made the team, along with Konae Purcell of Arkansas State and Elise Crnjak of Western Illinois. The Salukis will be back in action Sept. 19-20 as they open conference play at home against Indiana State and Illinois State. Match times are set for 7 p.m. at Davies Gym. 29th Hampton Inn of Carbondale Saluki Invitational All-Tournament Team |
Sand Tournament Fundraiser
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